My Blob STI PPP - was Andy Forest mapped was around 360bhp.
Was all the power you'd need to be honest. I'd no problems in my ownership.
Totally different cars to GTIs - great handling, faster out the box - from a standstill especially.
Drawbacks - fuel economy, dearer insurance, poor quality interior, the slightly chavvy image that comes with them.
I've always ended back in GTIs when I've tried other cars. The best of all worlds in my opinion.